San Diego International Airport’s The Good Traveler program surpasses 11 million miles of offset travel

Program adding new airports in Washington and Texas

Thursday, December 29, 2016

SAN DIEGO – December 29, 2016 – The Good Traveler, San Diego International Airport’s (SAN) carbon offset program, has offset more than 11 million air miles of travel in just over one year.

The program, in which passengers can purchase credits good for offsetting the carbon emissions produced during their trips, has expanded to include two additional airports: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The Good Traveler provides an easy, affordable, and meaningful way for passengers to balance the impact of their travel. Launched in September 2015, the program has offset about 11.5 million air miles.

“The Good Traveler is a key component of San Diego International Airport’s sustainability strategy,” said Brendan Reed, the airport’s Director of Environmental Affairs. “With every mile we offset, we’re making a tangible contribution to the fight against climate change."

“Austin’s airport has worked to minimize its environmental impact starting with its construction in the 1990s. Now our travelers have the opportunity to personally make air travel more sustainable,” said Jim Smith, Executive Director, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

“Visitors and citizens of the Seattle region care deeply about the environment,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Stephanie Bowman. “And we’re responding with our own commitment to reduce the Port’s carbon emissions by 50 percent. The Good Traveler program is a perfect complement to these programs. Passengers can be personally involved in reducing their carbon footprint through an easy-to-use, intuitive offsetting program designed specifically for air travelers. “

By working together, all of The Good Traveler airports hope to create an industry-leading, sustainable travel experience for passengers and optimize the program’s “buying power” in terms of offsets. Currently, a $1 credit offsets 500 miles of air travel or 200 miles of automobile travel. Proceeds go toward conservation projects that help counteract the effect of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.

Online purchasers can choose whether the funds go to U.S. programs such as a wind farm, forestry project and Colorado Delta Restoration project; or offsets that reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation in the Congo & Zambia.

At SAN, Good Traveler offsets can be purchased at Ryan Bros. Coffee inside Terminal 1 and 2 and online at www.thegoodtraveler.org.